Explore Australia - Byron Bay
Humpback whales, dolphins and a World Heritage listed rainforest
Mar 1, 2007
Byron Bay - A Vibrant Arts Community
Dolphins and whales frolic in the ocean and shops still sell Indian cotton clothing and tie-dyed t-shirts. This relaxed seaside town prides itself on its 'alternative lifestyle' and people who shun the glittering shopping malls, casinos and general over-the-topness of Surfers Paradise - just over the border in Queensland - feel right at home here. There is a vibrant arts community with more craftspeople and artists than any other area in the country.
Byron Bay - Great Surfing
Once you have made your way up to Byron Bay - about a two-hour flight from Sydney - you'll find a friendly, tranquil place with mile after mile of practically empty beaches e- some with super surf for the surfing freaks, others with a gentler white froth for the rest of us. Kids love frolicking in the foam on miniature surfboards which can be rented everywhere, and are often provided free in hotels.
Byron Bay - Humpback Whales and Dolphins
The beaches are, of course, a huge attraction, but when you want a change from swimming and snorkeling and generally just lazing around, there's a lot to see and do in and around Byron Bay. Dolphins, turtles and manta rays are commonly sighted from here and each year from May to August humpback whales pass Cape Byron on their way from the Antarctic to the Great Barrier Reef, where they mate and give birth to their young. It's a fabulous sight.
The 3.5 km walk around the Cape is a must. You will come across a herd of wild goats who have made their home here for over 80 years and there's a stretch of rainforest where you have a good chance of meeting up with wallabies, not to mention all the other creatures you'll see, like huge lizards sunning themselves and brilliantly coloured birds uttering strange cries.
Byron Bay - World Heritage Rainforest
But the best place of all if you are a nature lover is the fabulous World Heritage listed rainforest in the Border Ranges National Park, one one of the most beautiful areas in Australia. The road winds up through groves of sweet-smelling eucalptus trees where the koala bear lives and continues up into dense tropical rain forest. There are a number of picnic areas and many well-marked trails which draw your attention to things of particular interest, like the Antarctic Beech trees which are over 2000 years old.
The rainforest is less than an hour's drive from Byron Bay and there are a number of guided tourswhich also provide a barbeque lunch, or you can hire a car and do it yourself, but not during the wet season (November to March) when the roads are slippery with mud.
 |
 |
 |
 |
